Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vertically aligned carbon nanotube substrate includes the steps of treating a vertically aligned carbon nanotube array in an untreated state with a plasma to generate a vertically aligned carbon nanotube array in a plasma-treated state and adhering a coating onto at least a portion of the vertically aligned carbon nanotube array in the plasma-treated state to generate a vertically aligned carbon nanotube array in a coated state. The step of treating can include exposing the vertically aligned carbon nanotube substrate in the untreated state to the plasma in a plasma chamber. The step of adhering can include using a process of thermal evaporation or e-beam ablation. The method can also include the step of adhering a plurality of fluorophores to at least a portion of the vertically aligned carbon nanotube array in the coated state.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a broadband fluorescence amplification assembly comprising the steps of providing a vertically aligned carbon nanotube (“VACNT”) substrate that has been treated with a plasma and at least partially coated with a metal coating and a support structure, and supporting the VACNT substrate by the support structure. The support structure can include one of quartz or glass. The method can also include the steps of cleaning the support structure with an alcohol solution and/or exposing the support structure to one of a surface cleaning plasma or ozone. The method can further comprise the step of adhering the VACNT substrate to the support structure, wherein the step of adhering can include applying an adhesive material to at least a portion of the support structure. Additionally, the method can include the step of treating the VACNT substrate and the support structure with the plasma.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a broadband fluorescence amplification assembly comprising the steps of providing a vertically aligned carbon nanotube (“VACNT”) substrate that has been treated with a plasma and at least partially coated with a metal coating and a support structure, and supporting the VACNT substrate by the support structure. The support structure can include one of quartz or glass. The method can also include the steps of cleaning the support structure with an alcohol solution and/or exposing the support structure to one of a surface cleaning plasma or ozone. The method can further comprise the step of adhering the VACNT substrate to the support structure, wherein the step of adhering can include applying an adhesive material to at least a portion of the support structure. Additionally, the method can include the step of treating the VACNT substrate and the support structure with the plasma.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vertically aligned carbon nanotube substrate includes the steps of treating a vertically aligned carbon nanotube array in an untreated state with a plasma to generate a vertically aligned carbon nanotube array in a plasma-treated state and adhering a coating onto at least a portion of the vertically aligned carbon nanotube array in the plasma-treated state to generate a vertically aligned carbon nanotube array in a coated state. The step of treating can include exposing the vertically aligned carbon nanotube substrate in the untreated state to the plasma in a plasma chamber. The step of adhering can include using a process of thermal evaporation or e-beam ablation. The method can also include the step of adhering a plurality of fluorophores to at least a portion of the vertically aligned carbon nanotube array in the coated state.

Abstract: A method for metallizing a vertically aligned carbon nanotube array includes coupling a support structure to an actuator, the support structure supporting a vertically aligned carbon nanotube array, and vibrating the support structure with the actuator. The method can also include the step of fixedly positioning the actuator between a first member and a second member. The vibration can be consistent or it can vary in amplitude and/or frequency over time. The step of fixedly positioning can include the first member having a first mass and the second member having a second mass that is different or less than the first mass. The actuator can include a piezoelectric element. A metalizing assembly for intercalating a vertically aligned carbon nanotube array with a metal includes a first member, a support structure, a second member and an actuator. The support structure is coupled to the first member. The support structure supports the vertically aligned carbon nanotube array.